Master of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the fastest-growing and evolving fields in the health industry.

In the Master of Physiotherapy, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge as informed by current and emerging evidence to become a confident, resilient and enterprising physiotherapist.

You’ll gain an authentic experience of working in clinical environments and health care systems through four clinic practice placements and a work immersive program within a community setting.

You’ll also undertake units in digital health and technology, business, leadership, and enterprise that will build your capacity for work readiness and empower you to drive innovation in the field.

Self-evaluation and reflection will be encouraged with a ‘Knowing Self’ unit, where you’ll be paired with physiotherapy mentors to help you become an agile, engaged and capable health professional.

The Master of Physiotherapy program is an accredited and approved program by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and is endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Board.

To qualify for the award of Master of Physiotherapy, students must complete 225 credit points comprising:

• fourteen theory units of study (175 credit points)
• four clinical placement units of study (50 credit points)

Units of study

Students must complete the following fourteen theory-based units (175cp)

PHT60001 Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics for Physiotherapists PHT60002 Knowing-Self, Professional Practice and Communication * PHT60003 Exercise and Acute Musculoskeletal Conditions PHT60004 Cardiorespiratory Science and Physiotherapy Practice PHT70001 Neurosciences and Physiotherapy Practice PHT70002 Sports, Occupational Health and Rehabilitation PHT70003 Research, Evidence and Translation PHT70004 Leadership and Enterprise for Health Professionals PHT80001 Complex and Advanced Physiotherapy Practice PHT80002 Early Life and Specific Populations PHT70005 Community Health Promotion and Chronic Disease PHT80003 Technology and Industry-Partnered Practice PHT80004 Research and Innovation Project PHT80005 Health Care Models and Service Delivery

Students must complete the following four placement units (50cp).

PHT60015 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice A PHT70015 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice B PHT80015 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice C PHT80025 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice D

*This unit contains industry-based placement, #This unit contains a simulation component which contributes to overall clinical placement hours

^ Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• a completed bachelor degree in a health science discipline*, and
• tertiary level studies in human musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology.

*Health science disciplines include, for example exercise physiology, exercise science, exercise and sports science, medical science, biomedical science, health science, human movement, physiotherapy, physical therapy, applied science, human biology, medicine, rehabilitation science, occupational therapy.

• completed their degree in the last 10 years or have undertaken subsequent Postgraduate studies
• obtained a minimum 70% GPA in their last year of study.

• brief video (2 minutes maximum) or written statement answering: “My reason for applying to study Physiotherapy and my potential contribution to the profession is….?
• curriculum vitae outlining work experience and /or community, voluntary work and leadership.

If students completed their degree more than 10 years ago they may be considered on the basis of recent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience.

Special requirements

Immunisation

Students must provide an up to date record of all immunisations they have received over their lifetime, translated in English at the time of course commencement. For information on required vaccinations, please visit the Australian Government website.At course commencement, the Faculty Immunisation form will require completion and signed by an Australian medical practitioner to ensure you are immunised according to the Vaccination for Healthcare Workers standards. Further information will be provided upon course commencement.Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your placements. Any required immunisations or serology tests would be at your own cost.

Police check A Police check from your country of residence will be required at the time of course commencement.

Overseas If you have lived overseas for more than 12 months in the past ten years, you are required to provide a police check from each country you resided in (including an English translation) and/or a statutory declaration stating that you have never been convicted of any crime in another country.Australia You will be required to have an annual National Police Record Check to attend placements. Further information about how to apply will be provided at course commencement. Working with Children Check – all applicants must maintain a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program.Professional placements Placements can occur at any time during the course, including during the school holidays, Christmas and Easter holidays. Students need to be available to attend placements at all times during the course. It is advised that holidays are not booked prior to allocation of placements as alternative placements may not be available, therefore impeding progress in the course. Detailed information will be provided to all students at the commencement of the course. Once enrolled in the course, all students (with the exception of Master of Dietetics students) are registered with the Australian Heath Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Additional costsUniform and equipment will be required to be purchased for use in class and placement.

Some placements will be undertaken in regional locations, students are responsible for costs incurred for travel and accommodation.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• critique and apply a systematic evidence based approach to patient-centred management that facilitates sound clinical reasoning and is inclusive of assessment, interpretation, planning, intervention with rationale and evaluation of outcomes across all disciplines of Physiotherapy within the curriculum, and in clinical practice
• apply well-developed independent research skills to critically review literature, apply evidence based practice, design, interpret and analyse findings of contemporary research
• operate effectively within diverse communities demonstrating respect, cultural awareness, sensitive engagement and literacy of community and global health issues
• engage effectively and with impact within teams across a variety of health care settings in inter-professional curriculum and clinical practice
• explore, reflect and develop “Knowing Self” in conjunction with professional mentors across industry to become resilient, confident and adaptable physiotherapists within varying contexts of healthcare
• critique and apply innovations in digital health and technology to support and advance physiotherapy practice and service delivery across healthcare
• critique and apply skills in leadership, management, business and enterprise that are evident of engagement in interdisciplinary problem solving methodologies to innovate, differentiate professional identity and clinical practice.

• capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• effective and ethical in work and community situations
• adaptable and able to manage change
• aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.